ODA Member Benefit Corner

Why is a membership with the ODA/ADA so valuable? The ODA/ADA supports all members at the national, state and local levels. From helping you manage your practice more efficiently and advocating on your behalf to offering you tools and resources that help you find the answers for which you’re looking, we’re there every step of the way.

ADVOCACY

By: Makienzie Dean, Programs & Operations Manager

Advocacy is the first step to creating change within the dental profession and is one of the most overlooked member benefits. Whether we are advocating for legislation or are in opposition of a certain bill, dentistry must have a united front. Being a member of the ODA shows that you stand in solidarity with your colleagues for the advancement of the profession and for the protection of your patients. A portion of your membership dues goes toward our efforts to advocate for the profession and protect dentistry at the local, state, and national levels. We encourage you to take action and get involved in our advocacy efforts. The following are the top three ways you can be an advocate for your profession: 1. Become an Action Team Leader: Action Team Leaders (ATLs) are ODA members who are paired with Oklahoma senators and representatives. It is important for legislators to have an ATL because it puts a face on our organization.

It is easier to connect with legislators when we have those previous relationships formed. 2. Become a member of DENPAC: DENPAC is the political action committee of the ODA that works to make political contributions to dentistry-friendly, state-level legislative candidates. You can donate to DENPAC today by calling the

ODA at 405.848.8873.

3. Keep up with ODA Legislative Alerts: ODA Executive

Director Lynn Means constantly keeps ODA members updated on legislative issues. If you are not receiving these alerts, we do not have the best email address for you. To update your email, call the ODA at 405.848.8873 or email kfaherty@okda.org. As a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association, you can be confident that there is an association supporting you and championing for the greater good of your profession. The Oklahoma Dental Association and the American Dental Association will continue to fight for what matters to you and to your patients. There is power in numbers and in organized dentistry! For more information on ways to get more involved with the ODA’s advocacy efforts, please visit okda.org/ advocacy or contact ODA Executive Director Lynn Means at lmeans@okda.org.

TPP

THIRD PARTY PAYER

ADA THIRD PARTY PAYER CONCIERGE TM

YourKey

to Dental Insurance Answers

Dealing with dental benefit plans can be difficult. As a member of the ODA & ADA you have access to FREE one-on-one dental insurance assistance.

LEARN MORE & GET ANSWERS QUICKLY WWW.OKDA.ORG/TPP